Synthesis of N-(2-diethylamino-ethyl)-4-(4-fluoro-benzamido)-2-methoxybenzamide (desiodo-MIP-1145) by coupling technique and its radioiodination: a potential melanoma imaging agent.

Radioiodinated MIP-1145, which specifically targets melanin, is an ideal candidate for targeted therapy of melanoma. An analogue of MIP-1145 lacking the iodo-substituent (desiodo-MIP-1145) was synthesized as a labeling precursor in three simple steps. The radioiodination of desiodo-MIP-1145 by iodine-125 was carried out via an electrophilic substitution reaction. An optimization study for the iodination reaction was carried out. The labeled compound was isolated and purified by means of electrophoresis and HPLC. The maximum radiochemical yield, 76%, was obtained with radiochemical purity greater than 99%. The log P value for [(125) I]MIP-1145 was measured as 4.5.